BBD - Commercial flight with deer hide

[Bulldawg87]

I flew to Indiana on Friday to hunt Indiana's first ever legal rifle season. On Sunday morning at 9am, I shot a 162 5/8" buck.

My dad pulled his camper up and shot a 140" that had already been shot and I didn't have time to get my hide frozen to send back with him. He does have the antlers though.

So I need to get my hide back to Texas and I figure I have two options: pack it in dry ice and mail it.

Or

I can potential take it back in carry-on or checked back. It is frozen now in a trash bag and I can pack it into a small cooler. I would prefer this option but can't find much info on doing this.

Anyone out there have any experience flying commercial flights with hides/meats, heads, ect. I'm flying Southwest, btw.

[gatorgrizz27]

You shouldn't have a problem, especially with southwest. When I was in AK you could check "fish boxes" which were nothing more than waxed cardboard with fish filets and ice as long as they were sub 50 lbs.

I would freeze it and check it, not say a word to anyone as you're likely to run into someone that doesn't know what to do with it, and as far as checked bags go I think they only sniff them for drugs/explosives.

It wouldn't hurt to call them and ask if there are any special requirements though.

[Sleepy]

Get its own bag and check it in. Good to go.

[Big O]

Good problem to have for sure!

[OldRiverRat]

Should be no problem, carry on or check
If you carry just be sure no ice or liquid (water) is present


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[RodinaRanč]

I've flown with a frozen hide in a backpack...no issues, except TSA swabbing the hide

[TildenHunter]

We fly back from Mexico with mule deer capes in carry on baggage, no problem. Nobody says a word till customs.


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[Kevin]

Stuff it in a waterproof dry bag and no worries.

[BolilloLoco]

Put it in a trash bag, wrap in a towel and place in backpack. No problem.